Industrial Cthulhu: Starting as an Island Lord - Chapter 169: The Sea of Unawareness, The Corridor of Truth

“F**K! I'm dead!”That was the first word I muttered after regaining my memories from Earth.Reincarnating into a world of cultivation should’ve been a blessing. Adventure, immortality, power—what’s not to love?But then I remembered what my family did.My sister just broke off an engagement with a crippled young master—definitely a future protagonist.My mother ripped a Dao Bone from my cousin and gave it to me—guaranteed future revenge arc.And me? I’m already a third-rate villain: bullying weaklings and flaunting my Bai Clan name.Worst part? Despite the Dao Bone, I’m still trash at cultivation.My only hope?The System... which I’ve had for years.“I just never realized... It was in English!”

In the heart of Earth, where the streets buzz with the energy of modern life, lies a secret that will shake the very foundation of existence. Earth, once thought to be a mere planet, reveals itself to be a living entity, its core evolving with untold power. From the depths of the Milky Way, constellations, guardians of cosmic balance, watch with keen interest as Earth's evolution unfolds.But their curiosity soon turns to desire as they see the potential for transcendence within Earth's core. To harness its power, they must overcome the planet's protective barrier, a formidable obstacle that threatens to thwart their ambitions. Desperate for a solution, the constellations turn to drastic measures, offering contracts to select humans in exchange for assistance in weakening Chatgpt's defenses.Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, Marcus Sterling, a young university student with an intellect far beyond his years, delves into the mysteries of mana, the strange energy that permeates the planet. Unbeknownst to him, he becomes a pawn in the cosmic power struggle, as constellations vie for his allegiance and humanity's fate hangs in the balance.As Marcus grapples with his newfound abilities and the ethical implications of his choices, he discovers a deeper truth lurking beneath the surface—a truth that could reshape the destiny of Earth and all who inhabit it. With allies and adversaries alike converging on Earth, Marcus must navigate a treacherous path, where the line between good and evil blurs, and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.

Facing extinction, humanity seeks salvation in the Astral Verge, a dangerous dimension accessed via portals that threatened to wipe out the entire planet.Few years later, aspiring recruit Daniel Vance enters the Verge for his final assessment, hoping to Awaken a Talent and secure his future. While others gain common abilities, Daniel secretly Awakens the mythical SSS-Grade Talent: [Soul Assimilation]. This allows him to absorb essence, enhancing gear, gaining stats and EXP from slain creatures, and crucially, absorbing attributes and skills from fallen Awakened.Witnessing the swift death of the arrogant Jaxon Rex, Daniel makes a grim choice: he assimilates Jaxon, gaining his first skill, [Kinetic Pulse]. This sets his path: scavenging the aftermath of others’ battles. He enhances gear and, after achieving his first kill on an injured beast, waits patiently to assimilate two more fallen recruits, acquiring [Quick Step] and the invaluable passive [Aura Sense].Starting as average, Daniel rapidly gains power in secret, enhanced gear, multiple skills, and boosted stats , far exceeding his peers while remaining outwardly unremarkable. He navigates the lethal Verge alone, using its inherent dangers to fuel his growth, wrestling with the moral cost of his unique, overwhelming power.

“My name is Zeon, and my weapon is the entire desert.”

The Earth underwent terraforming. As a result, the oceans evaporated, and the land transformed into sand.

On the desertified Earth, Zeon became the sole Sand Mage.

The world named him the Sand Ghost.